The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1887-02-23
A GREAT SINGERS PERIL.
Attempt of a Crank in a San Fran.
cisco Theatre to Kill Patti.
Her Life Saved by the Premature
Explosion Of His Bomb.

A dramatic episode occurred at the Grand
Opera House, San Francisco, the other night
Adelina Patti was giving her last concert OF
the season, which was announced also as
her last appearance in that city. At twenty
minutes past 10, after Patti had twice ap-
peared in front of the curtain in re.
sponse to recalls at the conclusion of
an aria from LA Traviata," and just as she
had retired again to the wings, a tremendous
explosion was clearly heard above the vocif-
erous applause, and cloud OF smoke was
seen to rise over the railing of the top gal
lery.
Instantly every opera glass was focused on
that portion of the house where the exciting
scene was transpiring, and panic was immi-
nent. People in the gallery were rushing a bout
seeking thequickest means of exit, and it was
only through the Self-possession of some news
paper men present in one of the boxes, cou-
pied with that of Nine. Patti, that stam-
pede of the entire audience for the doors was
prevented The newspaper men quickly
perceiving that no serious result had oc-
Cured, motioned to Nine. Patti, who was
still in the wings, to come before the cur
tain. She comprehended the situation and
came forward quickly, and giving the cue to
Arditi, the musical conductor, began singing
Home. Sweet Home This had calming
effect on the audience, and though many lett
to ascertain the cause and effect of the unex.
pected disturbance, the concert was carried
to its conclusion.
So soon Us the location of the trouble could
be learned policeman rushed to the scene and
found man with badly burned face and
hands, moaning with agony, and the remains
of an Internal machine about him. He was
placed under arrest and conveyed to Irving
Hospital, where he stated that when he
stopped to pick up his hat and cane he
found package under his seat, which be
picked up, and that as he raised it to see
what it was it exploded He received serious
injuries, but no other person was hurt. He
gave his name as Dr. James Hodges, aged
seventy one years. q dyspepsia specialist, and
his residence at I Central Place.
Others, however, give different but un-
doubted correct version of the affair. A
lady who sat next to him, and who narrowly
escaped injury, says that during the even
ing he made number of significant re-
marks, which pointed clearly to the pur-
pose he afterward attempted to
carry. out Among the observations
which the lady distinctly remem-
bered was: "Patti is singing excellent to-
night, but she will never sing any more"
He was also heard t. make uncOmplimen-
tary and revengeful illusions to ]. c. Flood,
the BONANZA king, and his family, who were
present in box.
At the Irving Hospital, after his wounds
had been dressed, the Chief of Police at.
tempted to make him commit himself, but
the eliort was q complete failure. He stout
ly maintained his innocence The Chief Of
Police pronounces him crank.
The bomb was made with a can filled with
powder, in the center of which was bottle.
The can was wrapped in pieces of cloth
soaked in inflammable oil, and it is believed
that the intention was not only to kill Patti
and those near the stage, but also to
set fire to the building. The bomb
was arranged to explode by
number of friction matches, which
were connected with a fuse inserted in the
powder. The theory is that the fuse burned
too quickly for the crank and the explosion
was premature Though Patti performed
her part in the remainder of the programme
it was noticeable that the occurrence had
considerable effect upon her and somewhat
subdued her vivacity.
1t Is generally considered that Hodges's in
tention was to set the theater on fire and
create panic, and thu peculiar nature of
his preparations are evidence in this
connection. His plan evidently was
that the explosion Of the powder
should light the fluid in the bottle.
aud that, falling on the dresses of the audi
ence, would set them on fire. In Hodges's room
were found documents which show that he
had opinions in common with those who be-
lieve in the right to appeal to dynamite to
right their fancied wrongs